“Mighty Mouse” will enter his latest title defense on the strength
of a five-fight winning streak, which includes victories over
Team Alpha Male’s Joseph
Benavidez (twice), John Moraga
and “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 14 winner John Dodson.
Johnson last fought at UFC on Fox 9 in December, when he knocked
out Benavidez a little more than two minutes into their
rematch.

Bagautinov will carry an 11-fight winning streak into the cage. The
two-time combat sambo world champion cemented his place as the No.
1 contender at 125 pounds at UFC 169 in February, when he took a
unanimous decision from brick-fisted Brazilian John
Lineker.

Sherdog.com touched base with a number of professional fighters and
trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 174 headliner:

Javier
Vazquez: It’s all Johnson. He is the best guy in the
division, and he is getting better. This should be a dominant
performance. I’m guessing he wins in a dominant five-round
decision.

Gabe
Ruediger: I hate to say it, but I had to look Ali up
on the Sherdog Fight Finder because I had no idea who he was, so,
sadly, I am unable to give a prediction on this fight. I’m sure
it’s going to be fun to watch for those who are watching,
though.

Ricardo
Liborio: Amazing challenge for Demetrious. I think the
Russian will bring it, but it will not be enough. “Mighty Mouse”
wins by decision.

Josh
Sampo: Can’t wait for this fight. Love the flyweights.
I feel that Ali is going to have a hard time with “Mighty Mouse’s”
speed. Ali has to find a way to get around the speed if he is going
to be able to compete with him. “Mighty Mouse” does an amazing job
with his footwork and will have to keep it up to outstrike the
Russian. “Mighty Mouse” has to strike effectively to stay away from
his power.

Eric
Prindle: Johnson wins by KO in the second round with
an overhand.

Kyle
Kingsbury: Well, after saying that T.J.
Dillashaw didn’t stand a chance in any category against
Renan
Barao, I think it’s safe to say that my comments should be used
for comedic purposes only. Bagautinov has absolutely no chance in
hell of winning this fight. Demetrius wins in every category.

Mitch
Clarke: I’m going with D.J. by decision. I think he’s
too dynamic and is able to mix up striking to takedowns too much
for Bagautinov to keep up.

Jeff
Hougland: “Mighty Mouse” is the best 125-pounder on
planet Earth, and he will prove it again by finishing Bagautinov by
submission in the second round.

Ray
Elbe: “Mighty Mouse” works with Matt Hume, who
is one of the smartest men in the business of MMA. I expect
Demetrious to have a great game plan and to use his boxing and
wrestling to pick up the decision win over Bagautinov.

Igor
Araujo: Johnson has the speed. Bagautinov has better
skills with his striking, but Johnson’s takedowns will make the
difference. Demetrious will keep his belt by decision.

Zach
Makovsky: Ali can put an end to your night if he
connects well, but I think Demetrious is too fast, too versatile
and too smart. D.J. wins by submission late in the fight.

J.J.
Ambrose: I doubted Demetrius against Benavidez before
and ended up eating my words. Not this time. “Mighty Mouse” wins
via TKO in round two.